Appendix B. Common Data Security Architecture

The Common Data Security Architecture (CDSA) is an architecture-independent cryptographic framework and a set of layered security services for use on desktops, servers, and even PDAs. Originally designed by Intel Architecture Labs, the CDSA is now managed by the OpenGroup (www.opengroup.org) and is being refined with the help of many companies (including Apple). Apple has an implementation of the CDSA as part of the Darwin project.

This appendix provides an overview of the structure of the CDSA. It takes a peek into its design, function, and how users benefit from its integration into the operating system. The CDSA is quite complex. As such, a detailed dissection of it requires a book all to itself. ...

Get Mac® OS X Security now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.